£6m Scottish efficiency fund to help cut energy bills

The Scottish Government has announced a £6 million fund for energy efficiency measures to help householders cut energy bills.

With the recent gas and electricity price hikes, the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) is expected to help up to 10,000 extra Scottish homes with efficient installations such as loft and cavity insulation.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister said: “With temperatures dropping and colder weather beginning to bite, households across Scotland will be worrying about their winter energy bills. Solid action is absolutely imperative.

“This is the kind of vital help which can make a real difference to those struggling to make ends meet and demonstrates we will do whatever we can within devolved powers to tackle fuel poverty.”

Wilson Shaw, Chair of the National Insulation Forum in Scotland welcomed the fund: “It’s really good news, not only for the thousands of households that will benefit but also for the industry. It will really help insulation firms and their employees in Scotland, giving them greater continuity of work between current programmes coming to an end and the Green Deal and ECO getting going.”

The Scottish Government’s cash back voucher scheme, which allows individual householders to apply for £500 vouchers for the cost of new energy efficiency measures will also go live this week.